They usually arise in the cerebellum, near the brainstem, in the hypothalamic region, or the optic chiasm, but they may occur in any area where astrocytes are present, including the cerebral hemispheres and the spinal cord.

[1] Children affected by pilocytic astrocytoma can present with different symptoms that might include failure to thrive (lack of appropriate weight gain/ weight loss), headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, torticollis (tilt neck or wry neck), difficulty to coordinate movements, and visual complaints (including nystagmus).

[2] Pilocytic astrocytoma can be associated with the genetic condition neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and optic nerve gliomas are among the most frequently encountered tumors in patients with this disorder.

The majority of pilocytic astrocytomas, however, arise sporadically – with no evidence of a link to an underlying hereditary predisposition or lifestyle factor.

A special dye may be injected into a vein before these scans to provide contrast and make tumors easier to identify.

Pilocytic astrocytomas are typically clearly visible on such scans, but it is often difficult to say based on imaging alone what type of tumor is present.

[8] In particular for pilocytic astrocytomas (commonly indolent masses that may permit normal neurologic function), surgeons may decide to monitor the neoplasm's evolution and postpone surgical intervention for some time.

In cases of progressive/recurrent disease or when maximal surgical removal has been achieved but some residual tumor remains, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be considered by the medical team.